Synchronization is a process of matching the voltage, frequency, phase angle and sequence of two AC power sources and running them in parallel. Other quantities can supplement in the process of synchronization, namely, rate of change of frequency and the rate of change of voltage. When synchronization is done properly, the systems mesh together and continue running harmoniously thereafter. However, when done poorly, synchronization can result in large, damaging inrush currents in the stator of the generator and unacceptable mechanical stress on the rotor shaft.

Depending on the direction, the process of synchronization can be divided into two types, viz. forward and reverse Synchronization.

Forward Synchronization:

In Forward Synchronization, the voltage, frequency and phase angle of the incoming generator is synchronized to match the values of the bus bar. This is generally used when a generator needs to be synchronized with an already charged bus bar.

Reverse Synchronization:

Reverse Synchronization or backward synchronization is generally done when the supply from a grid utility is needed to be synchronized with a bus bar in the factory. Since, it is not possible to alter the voltage, frequency, etc. of the incomer, in this case, the grid. The voltage, frequency, etc. of the bus bar are adjusted to match the incomer.

A new Eurostat report states that in 2012, energy from renewable sources was estimated to have contributed 14.1% of gross final energy consumption in the EU28, compared with 8.3% in 2004, the first year for which this data is available. The share of renewables in gross final energy consumption is one of the headline indicators of the Europe 2020 strategy. The target to be reached by 2020 for the EU28 is a share of 20% renewable energy use in gross final energy consumption. The national targets take into account the Member States’ different starting points, renewable energy potential and economic performance.

Share of Energy from Renewables, EU28.

These figures are published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, and highlight the development of renewable energy sources in energy consumption in the EU28 and the Member States.

Largest increases in share of renewables between 2004 and 2012 in Sweden, Denmark and Austria Since 2004, the share of renewable sources in gross final consumption of energy grew in all Member States. The largest increases during this period were recorded in Sweden (from 38.7% in 2004 to 51.0% in 2012), Denmark (from 14.5% to 26.0%), Austria (from 22.7% to 32.1%), Greece (from 7.2% to 15.1%) and Italy (from 5.7% to 13.5%).

The highest shares of renewable energy in final energy consumption in 2012 were found in Sweden (51.0% of energy from renewable sources in gross final consumption of energy), Latvia (35.8%), Finland (34.3%) and Austria (32.1%), and the lowest in Malta (1.4%), Luxembourg (3.1%), the United Kingdom (4.2%) and the Netherlands (4.5%). In 2011, Estonia was the first Member State to reach its 2020 target and in 2012 Bulgaria, Estonia and Sweden already achieved their 2020 targets (16%, 25% and 49% respectively).

ELECTRICITY theft and meter tampering have been a great cause of concern for electric supply companies. Recently some efforts have been made to reduce these power losses.

Previously, the company’s staff was required to read the meter on a monthly basis for a proper billing. Moreover, it requires a large number of meter readers to collect reading from each consumer.

Human errors and tampering in records are inevitable. Ultimately, it leads to non-transparency. Here comes the concept of smart grids and smart meters. With smart grid, remote monitoring of meters and remote control supply are possible.

The technology is getting common in many countries. The time is ripe for power supply companies to invest in this technology to gain the trust of consumers.

IN the power system the transmission and distribution of electrical energy involves many losses. Some of these losses can be precisely defined and are termed technical losses. While other losses occur during transmission and distribution of electrical energy and involve non – technical parameters. The total non – technical losses (NTL) cannot be computed precisely. Moreover, it is very difficult to control and reduce the losses.

The NTL includes but not limited to electricity theft. Electricity theft has severe and dangerous effects.

Primarily, electricity theft affects the utility company by overloading the generation unit and then its consumers.

The overload can trip the generation unit interrupting power supply to all consumers and can lead to even blackouts.

Electricity theft is a serious concern for utility companies like the KESC as they are under threat of these economic losses. Eventually utilities like the KESC cannot invest in researching or implementing measures to reduce power outages and loadshedding.

In the light of these issues, utility companies are forced to impose excessive tariffs on honest consumers because they cannot bear total losses solely by themselves. Hence, we as an honest consumer suffer.

The government, as well as all political parties, should seriously look into this matter and come out with the solutions to stop electricity theft. Moreover, the government should provide adequate security to KESC officials in the mission of end electricity theft.

One of the most important course in electrical engineering where a continuous update of the course outline is essential is power electronics and its applications. The frequent update of course outline may proved to be an efficient way to implement an up-to-date research-based education and implement new emerging applications.

Among many new applications in the field of Power Electronics is in renewable energy systems. Renewable energy is not very popular in Pakistan at the moment. The use of Renewable Energy is gaining popularity worldwide and this is the right time to embrace this field with open arms.